By Eric Fies, Leave No Trace Master Educator
You see them all the time: the inexperienced, underequipped, untrained, and/or ill-advised stepping off on a day hike in the summer heat with rarely more than a water bottle, unprepared and unaware. Sometimes, they carry a small daypack, more fit for the campus than for the wilderness. ”No need for a map and compass…there’s an app for that!” Other times, the telltale signs are the footwear -- flip-flops or track shoes -- perhaps with a cotton hoodie “just in case." Most will return relatively unscathed, never realizing the danger their unpreparedness could have brought them.
Planning ahead and preparing for the wilderness is key. An experienced hiker researches the destination and understands the dangers before even packing their backpack. Talk to the savvy backcountry practitioners and they will all rattle off their “never leave home without it” gear list without hesitation. We refer to these as the “Ten Essentials” and, while versions can vary, the basics never change.
Navigation skills are critical. You should always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are great, but can be unreliable in some terrain and are useless when the batteries fail. Smartphones can be helpful at times, but check the provider’s coverage zones before you go and do not rely on them for communication and navigation in the wilderness.
Weather is less predictable than cellular signal coverage. Always pack some appropriate layers to protect you from the elements. Consider the topography you will negotiate and understand the weather conditions at elevation and on the leeward and windward sides of mountain ranges. Even the best of plans can be undone by weather, injury, or disorientation, and those layers can save your life.
Hydration and nutrition are important no matter the season. Dehydration can lead to poor decision-making, heat injuries (regardless of the time of year!), and eventually death. Pre-hydrate, bring more water than you think you may need, and consider areas to resupply your water. Natural water sources can be untrustworthy, so plan for purification. Keep your batteries charged by evaluating the difficulty of your route and the caloric output necessary to achieve your objective, and then pack the appropriate amount of food to blaze that trail.
A simple wrong turn at a poorly marked trail junction can make a day hike into a nightmare if you are not properly equipped. Always carry a flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries, matches or a firestarter, and a signal whistle. Emergency shelters and blankets are more lightweight than ever before, and you should pack one regardless. A small repair kit to handle common gear issues is essential, and will keep that broken bootlace or shoulder strap from ruining the day. Of course, a pocketknife is invaluable for any outdoor trip.
First-aid kits are only as good as the training of the individual applying the aid. If you frequent the wilderness, get some first-aid training. Wilderness First Aid classes are well worth the time and money, and they will help you to understand what a proper first aid kit should contain and how to treat common trail injuries. If you are a group leader or travel in the backcountry, you should get Wilderness First Responder certified and carry a kit appropriate for the size or your group and duration of your trip. This is often overlooked and has resulted in simple injuries becoming traumatic experiences requiring evacuation.
The absolute most important item you must carry on every trip is stored between your ears. Be prepared by preparing yourself! Learn appropriate skills before you step off into the wilderness, study the topography and know the conditions, refresh your knowledge of Leave No Trace, pack your Ten Essentials, hike, rest, and repeat. See you out there, and explore responsibly!
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Note: The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Any copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org